The family and supporters of Wajir County Assembly Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Yusuf Hussein Abdi are urgently appealing to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for assistance in resolving the ongoing abduction of their loved one. Almost two weeks have passed since Abdi was abducted by unknown assailants on the night of September 13 while traveling home from South C to Pangani in Nairobi. The incident has raised alarm among residents and political leaders alike, who are demanding swift action and accountability.
Reports indicate that Abdi was forcibly taken by armed individuals on Enterprise Road, an incident that has since left his family and constituents in a state of distress and uncertainty. Adan Issack, a local resident, expressed the community’s frustration, stating, “Up to now, there is no clue of his whereabouts. We want justice for the abducted MCA.” The silence from authorities in the wake of the abduction has only added to the growing anxiety over the safety of public figures and ordinary citizens alike.
Abdi’s disappearance is part of a broader concern over rising cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings in Kenya. The community is urging the Head of State to uphold his promise to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law. “If a person has made a mistake, he should be taken to court within 24 hours. If he is guilty, he will be sentenced; if not, he should be freed,” Issack argued, stressing the need for transparency and justice.
The call for solidarity has also resonated among other MCAs across the 47 county assemblies. Issack urged his fellow elected officials to stand in support of Abdi, reminding them that such incidents could happen to anyone. “Our honorable colleagues from other county assemblies, kindly show solidarity with your colleague. Let’s ask the government where they have taken this guy,” he said.
In addition to local political leaders, religious leaders have also joined the chorus demanding clarity on Abdi’s situation. Sheikh Hassan Omar, Treasurer of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), stated that if Abdi is being detained, he should be presented in court. “His kith and kin and the electorates don’t know where Yusuf Hussein is. We want to know where he is and if he is alive or dead,” Omar emphasized, reflecting the community’s desperation for answers.
Community members like Abdi Ibrahim articulated their dismay, calling for adherence to legal processes. “If our brother has made a mistake or has questions to answer, the State can produce him in a court of law. The state has the right to arrest anyone at any time, but the question arises when the person has been abducted; it is not known who abducted him,” he remarked. Ibrahim highlighted a troubling trend of abductions, stressing the need for immediate governmental action to restore safety and security.
Jamila Ibrahim, a concerned citizen, expressed her heartbreak over the situation, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch an investigation into Abdi’s abduction. “It is disheartening that we don’t know the whereabouts of our son. We want the government to intervene,” she said, echoing the collective anxiety felt by many in the community.
As the days pass without any information regarding Yusuf Hussein Abdi’s whereabouts, the urgency for action from the police and government grows. The abduction of an elected official has sent shockwaves through the community, raising critical questions about safety, governance, and the rule of law. The family, friends, and constituents of Abdi remain hopeful for a swift resolution and the safe return of their loved one. The public’s demand for accountability and justice will likely continue to resonate until the situation is resolved.
